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Stockholm , Sweden | St. Petersburg , Russia | St. Petersburg , Russia | Helsinki , Finland | Tallinn , Estonia | Visby , Sweden | Stockholm , Sweden
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Stockholm, Sweden
EXPLORE STOCKHOLM
There are four airports in the city, but the main airport is Stockholm Arlanda, located 40 kilometers north of the city. Sweden's capital has a well-preserved historic core, is home to many museums and is famous for its design. Stockholm also has one of Europe's most dynamic foodie scenes. You'll want to be sure to sample some omming, Baltic herring, before you leave.
There are four airports in the city, but the main airport is Stockholm Arlanda, located 40 kilometers north of the city. Sweden's capital has a well-preserved historic core, is home to many museums and is famous for its design. Stockholm also has one of Europe's most dynamic foodie scenes. You'll want to be sure to sample some omming, Baltic herring, before you leave.
in Stockholm
Living Museum
Stroll around Gamla Stan and the adjacent island of Riddarholmen. The Old Town of Stockholm is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. Admire the colorful buildings in the narrow, winding cobblestone streets, or visit some of the old churches and museums. And don't miss the baroque Royal Palace.
Sweden in Miniature
Visit Skansen, the world's first open-air museum, founded in 1891. The around 150 traditional houses provide a glimpse of how Swedes once lived. Highlights include the glass-blowers' cottage and the Nordic Zoo. Staff in costume create handicrafts or play music. Enjoy lunch or a coffee in the bakery.
Stylish Stockholm
Head to Moderna Museet, the city's modern-art museum. Highlights include works by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst, plus several key figures from the Scandinavian and Russian art worlds. The museum also stages well-conceived temporary exhibits. There's a very popular restaurant with a great view over the water too.
Local Cuisine
Head to the trendy Sodermalm neighborhood for some top-class husmanskost — traditional Swedish fare — in one of the hip beer halls. Pair your brew of choice with meatballs served with lingonberry jam or pickled herring served on crispbread. Or check into an upscale spot serving modern Nordic dishes like lobster with slow-cooked carrots and cauliflower shoots or pork belly with artichoke puree.
Shopping
Stockholm is a shopper's paradise. For big-name Swedish and international retail outlets, hit the Biblioteksgatan from Ostermalm to Norrmalmstorg. For artier stores and galleries, head to Sodermalm. For souvenirs browse the narrow streets of Gamla Stan, as well as a great collection of design objects arranged chronologically and by theme, head to Nordiska Museet.
CRUISING
CAN'T-MISS FAVOURITES
Things to Do
A BOLDER BOULDER
Rise to the occasion and take on the signature Rock Climbing Wall. From beginners to speed climbers, everyone can enjoy an unparalleled view from 12 metres (40 feet) above deck. Included in your fare, no reservation required.
ON PAR FOR ADVENTURE
Hit the links on the high seas! Refine your mini-golf game on a green that overlooks a sea of blue. Included in your fare, no reservation required.
St. Petersburg, Russia
Baltic Beauty
Discover the countless sites of St. Petersburg's UNESCO World Heritage city center, from former royal residences to opulent Orthodox cathedrals. Take an excursion to the picturesque palace of Peter the Great. Or hop a quick ferry ride out to Kronstadt, a small island in the Gulf of Finland, where you can explore the ornate Naval Cathedral and walk along the fortress walls.
Discover the countless sites of St. Petersburg's UNESCO World Heritage city center, from former royal residences to opulent Orthodox cathedrals. Take an excursion to the picturesque palace of Peter the Great. Or hop a quick ferry ride out to Kronstadt, a small island in the Gulf of Finland, where you can explore the ornate Naval Cathedral and walk along the fortress walls.
in St. Petersburg
Czars and Saviors
Located near the waterfront and housed in the former Romanov Winter Palace, the Hermitage Museum sits due north along Nevsky Prospekt from the Church of the Savior on Blood, St. Petersburg's other most iconic attraction.
Discover the Unusual
St. Petersburg's city center is overflowing with history — why not choose museums that offer something a little different? Visit the quirky Faberge Museum, dedicated to the work of Russian jeweler Carl Faberge. Or enjoy an interactive experience at the Museum of Emotions.
Imperial Excursion
Take a drive to some imperial palaces outside the city center. Under an hour away by car lies exquisite Peterhof, whose fountains alone are worth the price of admission. Cruise to St. Petersburg and go by train to the Baroque-style Catherine Palace — can you guess which Russian ruler often stayed here?
Local Cuisine
Russians flock to St. Petersburg because of its cosmopolitan vibe, but use your stop here to discover local cuisine. Head to the restaurant-rich Nevsky Prospect to sample borscht beet root soup (the cold version in summer), dumplings of meat (plmeni) and sour cherries (vareniki) or hearty beef stroganoff — yes, that's a Russian dish!
Shopping
St. Petersburg's shopping options are as grand as its architecture. The luxurious Gostiny Dvor mall is an essential stop with your St. Petersburg cruise. If you're looking for a more down-to-earth experience, try your luck (and your Russian language skills) at Udelnaya Flea Market and bargain for one-of-a-kind antique samovars or imperial porcelain.
INSIDER TIP
Keep your cruise documents with you. Being on a cruise (and stopping for 72 hours or less) is all that exempts you from needing a visa, so you'll want to have your papers in case authorities ask for them.
St. Petersburg, Russia
Baltic Beauty
Discover the countless sites of St. Petersburg's UNESCO World Heritage city center, from former royal residences to opulent Orthodox cathedrals. Take an excursion to the picturesque palace of Peter the Great. Or hop a quick ferry ride out to Kronstadt, a small island in the Gulf of Finland, where you can explore the ornate Naval Cathedral and walk along the fortress walls.
Discover the countless sites of St. Petersburg's UNESCO World Heritage city center, from former royal residences to opulent Orthodox cathedrals. Take an excursion to the picturesque palace of Peter the Great. Or hop a quick ferry ride out to Kronstadt, a small island in the Gulf of Finland, where you can explore the ornate Naval Cathedral and walk along the fortress walls.
in St. Petersburg
Czars and Saviors
Located near the waterfront and housed in the former Romanov Winter Palace, the Hermitage Museum sits due north along Nevsky Prospekt from the Church of the Savior on Blood, St. Petersburg's other most iconic attraction.
Discover the Unusual
St. Petersburg's city center is overflowing with history — why not choose museums that offer something a little different? Visit the quirky Faberge Museum, dedicated to the work of Russian jeweler Carl Faberge. Or enjoy an interactive experience at the Museum of Emotions.
Imperial Excursion
Take a drive to some imperial palaces outside the city center. Under an hour away by car lies exquisite Peterhof, whose fountains alone are worth the price of admission. Cruise to St. Petersburg and go by train to the Baroque-style Catherine Palace — can you guess which Russian ruler often stayed here?
Local Cuisine
Russians flock to St. Petersburg because of its cosmopolitan vibe, but use your stop here to discover local cuisine. Head to the restaurant-rich Nevsky Prospect to sample borscht beet root soup (the cold version in summer), dumplings of meat (plmeni) and sour cherries (vareniki) or hearty beef stroganoff — yes, that's a Russian dish!
Shopping
St. Petersburg's shopping options are as grand as its architecture. The luxurious Gostiny Dvor mall is an essential stop with your St. Petersburg cruise. If you're looking for a more down-to-earth experience, try your luck (and your Russian language skills) at Udelnaya Flea Market and bargain for one-of-a-kind antique samovars or imperial porcelain.
INSIDER TIP
Keep your cruise documents with you. Being on a cruise (and stopping for 72 hours or less) is all that exempts you from needing a visa, so you'll want to have your papers in case authorities ask for them.
Helsinki, Finland
Explore Helsinki
There's no shortage of things to do and see in this stylish historical capital. After you've explored Helsinki's center, head to Punavuori, with its Design District, the superb Design Museum and many attractive shops and galleries. Join the Finns for a sauna, or relax in a trendy cafe in the Kallio district, which has recently undergone a facelift.
There's no shortage of things to do and see in this stylish historical capital. After you've explored Helsinki's center, head to Punavuori, with its Design District, the superb Design Museum and many attractive shops and galleries. Join the Finns for a sauna, or relax in a trendy cafe in the Kallio district, which has recently undergone a facelift.
in Helsinki
Back in Time
Take the ferry 15 minutes to the fortress of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Finland's most popular sights. Visit the museums, bunkers and fortress walls, built by the Swedes in the 18th century. Then, enjoy a picnic and hike along the cluster of car-free islands that are all connected by walking bridges.
Innovative Designs
The Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art in the city center, with its quirky metallic design by Steven Holl, is a symbol of Helsinki's modernization. Inside is an eclectic collection of Finnish and international contemporary art. There are excellent facilities for kids and a popular glass-sided cafe and terrace. Check out more of Helsinki's aesthetic history at the Finnish Design Museum.
Sweat It Out
Saunas are immensely popular in Finland — the nation claims to have about 3.5 million of them. In Helsinki, you can go to Kotiharjun, the city's only original public wood-fired sauna, dating from 1928. Cruise to Finland and try Loyly Sauna, a traditional smoke sauna set in a charming art deco complex.
Local Cuisine
Helsinki has a wide choice of restaurants, from chic Michelin-starred spots to creative bistros and even food trucks. Fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients are the norm here. Famous Finnish dishes you should try during your Finland cruise include salmon stew, forest mushrooms, and reindeer. Smorgasbord is a popular buffet, with hot and cold dishes featuring plenty of seafood. Enjoy a piece of lingonberry pie or some cloudberries for dessert.
Shopping
Helsinki is a design mecca. Head to the Stockmann department store in the art nouveau building at Esplanade Park, and stop by Finnish designers like Markimekko, Iittala and Artek. Head to the Helsinki Design District or Toriquarters for unique pieces of clothing, design objects, art, antiques, books and homeware.
INSIDER TIP
Many sights are within walking distance here, but in case of snow or rain, a DIY tram tour is a great alternative.
Tallinn, Estonia
Explore Estonia
Get to know the fairy-tale castles and cobbled streets of Tallinn's medieval Old Town. Or take a rejuvenating escape to one of the idyllic Baltic Sea beaches just outside the city center. Visit the Kunstimuuseum — Kumu, for short — the largest art museum in the Baltics, with Estonian art dating from the 18th century through the Soviet era. Check out Tallinn's two great churches: the ornate St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Mary the Virgin, with its 14th-century medieval foundations and 18th-century Baroque tower.
Get to know the fairy-tale castles and cobbled streets of Tallinn's medieval Old Town. Or take a rejuvenating escape to one of the idyllic Baltic Sea beaches just outside the city center. Visit the Kunstimuuseum — Kumu, for short — the largest art museum in the Baltics, with Estonian art dating from the 18th century through the Soviet era. Check out Tallinn's two great churches: the ornate St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Mary the Virgin, with its 14th-century medieval foundations and 18th-century Baroque tower.
in Tallinn
Medieval Roots
From the red-roofted towers of its Town Walls, to the Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the smoky pink Riigikogu parliament house, Tallinn's medieval Old Town looks straight out of a fairy tale. Make sure to stop in central Raejoka Plats, a charming square filled with cafes and restaurants.
Tallinn's New-School Side
Estonia was the birthplace of tech giant Skype, after all, and Tallinn's modern central business district reflects this futurism. Meanwhile, the Rotterdam District hearkens back to the pre-Russian Art Nouveau period of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Baltic Beaches
Tallinn's beaches are the perfect opportunity to escape the not-so-hectic city center. Pirita Beach in particular is a big draw, with its broad expanse of sand and unique architecture, which dates back to when the USSR hosted the Olympics in 1991.
Local Cuisine
Estonian food mixes Baltic and Russian influences — pickled herring is a common sight on Estonian tables, as is hearty black rye bread. Check out one of the cool cellar restaurants, which are situated on the garden level of warehouse buildings. Try buckwheat blinis with whitefish roe, red onion and sour cream, or pea soup with smoked pork hock. Wash it down with a pint of the local favorite Pohjala beer.
Shopping
If you want to shop a range of souvenirs, local items and just about anything else you can think of, wander through the outdoor market stalls just outside Viru Gate, in the Old Town. Tallinn's most famous souvenirs include wooden crafts made with Estonian Junpier trees and local chocolates and spirits by brands like Kalev and Vana Tallinn.
INSIDER TIP
Tallinn's Old Town is compact and easily explored by foot, but if you do take a taxi, make sure to negotiate a rate before you start moving.
Visby, Sweden
Discover Visby
Sweden's most alluring island resort is adorned with sandy beaches and medieval heritage. Stroll along the cobbled lanes of the Old Town, lined with picturesque and brightly painted cottages, shady arches and colorful flowers. Enjoy magnificent views of the Baltic Sea on the Strandpromenaden, a five-kilometer walking and biking path. Discover fossils and stalactites in Lummelundagrottan, Northern Europe's longest caves, a short drive north of Visby.
Sweden's most alluring island resort is adorned with sandy beaches and medieval heritage. Stroll along the cobbled lanes of the Old Town, lined with picturesque and brightly painted cottages, shady arches and colorful flowers. Enjoy magnificent views of the Baltic Sea on the Strandpromenaden, a five-kilometer walking and biking path. Discover fossils and stalactites in Lummelundagrottan, Northern Europe's longest caves, a short drive north of Visby.
in Visby
Walk the Walled City
Walk along the awe-inspiring medieval Visby Ring Wall, a 3.5 kilometer fortification constructed in the 13th century. This World Heritage site has numerous gates, such as the round-arched Love gate, and more than 50 towers surrounded by moats. It's the best-preserved city wall in Northern Europe, and within the walls lie several ancient stone houses and churches.
Viking Treasure
Pay a visit to Gotlands Museum to get a sense of the region's history. Highlights include the Spillings Hoard, the world's largest Viking silver treasure, several medieval wooden sculptures, 8th-century picture stones and human skeletons from chambered tombs dating back to the Stone Age.
Road to Ruins
Don't miss the impressive medieval ruins of the St. Karin church on Stora Torget. It was founded by Franciscans in 1233, and its memorable ruins feature distinctive high arches. Today, it's often used for performances, and in the winter, children skate on an ice rink set up inside its walls.
Local Cuisine
The majority of cafes and restaurants are located around the main square, Stora Torget. Cruise to Visby and make sure to try the delicious traditional saffranspankaka, a saffron-based pancake topped with berries and cream. In one of the seafood restaurants have some fisksoppa (fish stew), fried Baltic herring and turbot, Gotland's national fish.
Shopping
Gotland is known for its many artists — browse the many studios and galleries in Stora Torget. You'll find pottery, glass work and products made of wool, leather and textiles. The museum shop at Gotlands Museum also sells wood handicrafts, jewelry and glass work. Keep an eye out for painted horse figurines, a distinctive Swedish souvenir during your Visby cruise .
INSIDER TIP
Cycling on Gotland's flat countryside is very popular and there are several bicycle renting spots.
Stockholm, Sweden
HISTORICALLY HIP
A pleasant mishmash of history and modernity, Stockholm offers endless attractions. Visit the Vasa Ship Museum, where you'll see the only preserved 17th-century warship in the world. Or check out the Kungliga Slottet, a baroque palace that serves as the Swedish Royal Residence. In Designtorget at Sergels Torg, you'll find a large choice of household design and functional objects created by up and coming Nordic designers.
A pleasant mishmash of history and modernity, Stockholm offers endless attractions. Visit the Vasa Ship Museum, where you'll see the only preserved 17th-century warship in the world. Or check out the Kungliga Slottet, a baroque palace that serves as the Swedish Royal Residence. In Designtorget at Sergels Torg, you'll find a large choice of household design and functional objects created by up and coming Nordic designers.
in Stockholm
Living Museum
Stroll around Gamla Stan and the adjacent island of Riddarholmen. The Old Town of Stockholm is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. Admire the colorful buildings in the narrow, winding cobblestone streets, or visit some of the old churches and museums. And don't miss the baroque Royal Palace.
Sweden in Miniature
Visit Skansen, the world's first open-air museum, founded in 1891. The around 150 traditional houses provide a glimpse of how Swedes once lived. Highlights include the glass-blowers' cottage and the Nordic Zoo. Staff in costume create handicrafts or play music. Enjoy lunch or a coffee in the bakery.
Stylish Stockholm
Head to Moderna Museet, the city's modern-art museum. Highlights include works by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst, plus several key figures from the Scandinavian and Russian art worlds. The museum also stages well-conceived temporary exhibits. There's a very popular restaurant with a great view over the water too.
Local Cuisine
Head to the trendy Sodermalm neighborhood for some top-class husmanskost — traditional Swedish fare — in one of the hip beer halls. Pair your brew of choice with meatballs served with lingonberry jam or pickled herring served on crispbread. Or check into an upscale spot serving modern Nordic dishes like lobster with slow-cooked carrots and cauliflower shoots or pork belly with artichoke puree.
Shopping
Stockholm is a shopper's paradise. For big-name Swedish and international retail outlets, hit the Biblioteksgatan from Ostermalm to Norrmalmstorg. For artier stores and galleries, head to Sodermalm. For souvenirs browse the narrow streets of Gamla Stan, as well as a great collection of design objects arranged chronologically and by theme, head to Nordiska Museet.
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INSIDER TIP